The last day came quietly.
No announcement.
No countdown.
Just an ordinary afternoon that felt heavier than it should've.
XinYue met Lin Jue near the stairs after school. The place was half-empty, sunlight cutting through the corridor like it was marking an ending. He leaned against the railing, hands in his pockets, expression calm—but not careless.
"So," he said, breaking the silence. "One week. Done."
She nodded.
"Done."
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The deal had started as a shield.
A lie for safety.
A story meant to disappear.
But somewhere between pretending and protecting, it had become… comfortable.
Lin Jue straightened and held out his hand.
"Friends?" he asked lightly. "Like before the deal. Or… maybe better."
XinYue smiled, a real one this time. She shook his hand.
"Friends," she said. "No pretending."
He let go first.
"I won't make things complicated," he added, quieter now. "You deserve simple."
She understood what he didn't say.
Across the ground, Li Hanyan watched.
He didn't step in.
Didn't interrupt.
Didn't assume the worst.
But when XinYue turned away from Lin Jue and walked back toward the building, her eyes met his—and this time, she didn't look away.
Lin Jue glanced back once, then left without drama.
No bruises.
No rumours.
No chaos.
Just an ending done right.
The deal was over.
But whatever was starting now?
That wasn't part of the agreement.
And everyone felt it.